Saying Goodbye - For now

The only thing that I hate about this coaching thing is the fact that we all at one time or another have to move on to bigger and better things. After this tournament, unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to some players as they will be leaving to play for their school teams in the winter. It's not that we won't miss those who are unsure of the winter's options, but these players are entering into a new chapter that the others of us won't be entering for another whole year. They deserve our recognition.

Blaine Newton is going to play for Concordia Middle School this next school year and has played a very positive role on our team this summer. And what's better is that it is a role he wasn't used to playing. Blaine has really improved his defense greatly which will be a strong factor when playing at the middle school. His defense kept us in games and helped us pull away when they were close. Defense is wonderful, but don't forget that you can shoot the ball too.

Matt Weaver is going to play for his middle school team in Hesston. Matt will not be playing with us this winter like he did last year and our team will have a big hole that will be impossible to fill. Matt has also been a very important part of our team. His ability to attack the basket and the uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time, have been his biggest assets. Man, those shots from the corners have been the dagger in hopeful teams hearts on many an occasion. We'll miss his hustle and defensive awareness. Oh yeah, and he was fun to pick on to. Stay away from trampolines and smoke bombs.

And finally Cade Hays. (God, I hope I don't cry again) He will be leaving us to play for the Ell-Saline Cardinals this season. Cade has been with WCS for six seasons now. It makes me proud to think of how much he has worked and how much he has improved since his first day of practice with us. Cade never would have taken a ball and dribbled full speed from one end to the other and make a layup without the practice and determination he's showed throughout the years. Cade has been our motivation over the past seasons. It always makes our whole team pumped when we see someone who has worked so hard for something be rewarded with success. I have never met anyone who tries so hard ALL the time. That little turnaround jumper and those high arcing shots from the elbows have proven to many teams to be deadly. That shot is money. Cade will help his Cardinals greatly next year.

Good luck to all of you. We will be thinking of you and wish you all the luck. You have been and always will be a part of our WCS family. See you next summer.